VACC Pushes Vehicle Safety Message With New Images

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Feb 9, 2010
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A SURVEY TAKEN in December showed 31 percent of Victoria's vehicles may be unsafe for the road. Today, the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) has released photos that reveal the extent to which some motorists are ignoring vehicle safety.

VACC Executive Director David Purchase said that, in some cases, the damage to crucial components is so bad that drivers and occupants are lucky to be alive.

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In the Five Point Safety Check survey taken in December, participating repairers tested 4100 vehicles. A total of 1287 vehicles failed the inspection of brakes, tyres, lights, steering and restraints.

 

“VACC repairers are reporting an increasing number of vehicles coming in to workshops that are in a dangerous condition. These photos are just the tip of the iceberg,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said.

“VACC has released the photographs because we want motorists, and the media, to see the alarming things we see on a daily basis,” Mr Purchase said.

 

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One of the images shows a brake rotor worn so badly worn that the outer surface was ground down to the cooling fins. Another photo shows a 'death crack' in the spoke of an alloy wheel, which could have caused the wheel to collapse.

A third image shows a brake caliper worn down because of an incorrectly-sized wheel being fitted to the vehicle, and a fourth image shows a tyre worn through to the metal casing.

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Conducted free when vehicles are serviced at participating repairers, 25 percent of the vehicles tested in the December - more than 1000 - had unsafe tyres.


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Comments

  • Ellimist [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    I really hate people who buy the cheapest thing they can to fix their vehicle. safety isn't just about responsible driving its also about responsible maintenance.
  • Adrian [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    As if you wouldn't suspect something is wrong when your brakes rattle, clang and vibrate due to no more brake rotor :O
  • Ben [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    its time like these that im glad NSW has the 'pink slip' rego inspections.
  • David [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    This is interesting.
    It's not everyday that the authorities get off the only 'speed kills' thing and onto some of the other factors in the road toll.

    Good on them for putting the pictures out there..
  • Freddy [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    I think most states should bring in a similar system to NSW where you need to get a Road Worthy done when you are due for a registration renewal. At least that way, most issues like worn tires and brakes are picked up and fixed. Ever wonder why on rainy days there are accidents all around town? Worn tires/brakes.
  • Adrian [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    It won't solve all problems. Couple of reasons

    1. In NSW you don't have to get a Roady done until the car is 5 years old... I know my tyres wear and probably brakes before then.

    2. Most people would know a "dodgy" mechanic who glances over most items for a road worthy. I've seen a road worthy done without even looking at a vehicle.
  • Bob [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    It beggars belief that somone can have a licence but have literally no idea about how to check that the vehicle they are piloting isn't serviceable, or the importance of doing so.
  • Freddy [reply]
    6 months ago 0 points
    It is true that there would be some dodgy mechanics out there willing to pass an unroadworthy car. I wouldn't expect it to solve all problems, but I'd say it would make a significant increase in the safety of cars on the roads in general.

    It would be a step in the right direction at least. As these requirements would be a benefit too all road users.

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